Canadian Poultry Magazine

Solid support for agriculture in federal cabinet

By Egg Farmers of Canada   

Features Business & Policy Marketing Boards agriculture Business/Policy cabinet EFC federal food

May 19, 2011 – The Egg Farmers of Canada (EFC), Chicken Farmers of Canada (CFC) and the Turkey Farmers of Canada (TFC) congratulate all of those appointed to the federal Cabinet, in particular Gerry Ritz and Leona Aglukkaq who return as Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Minister of Health respectively, Ed Fast who is the new Minister of International Trade and Christian Paradis, the new Minister of Industry who also returns as Minister of State (Agriculture).

“The new Cabinet has strong supporters of Canadian agriculture and rural Canada,” says EFC Chair Peter Clarke. “These Ministers recognize the importance of growing a stable supply of affordable and nutritious food, such as eggs,” he notes.

Mr. Fast hails from the B.C. agricultural riding of Abbotsford where there are numerous egg, poultry and dairy farms operating under supply management. “Mr. Fast understands the importance of supply management to Canada’s economy and in job creation; we expect he will be a strong advocate in international trade negotiations for all Canadian agriculture sectors,” Mr. Clarke says.

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“We look forward to working again with Mr. Ritz on trade and other issues involving farmers,” he adds.  Mr. Ritz has a history of working on behalf of farmers.  For example, the Battlefords-Lloydminster MP of Saskatchewan worked closely with egg and poultry organizations in modifying compensation regulations under the Health of Animals Act.  Now, Egg Farmers of Canada is turning its attention to the latest round of Growing Forward consultations that will help define a revised agricultural policy framework.

Christian Paradis of the Quebec riding of Mégantic-L’Érable has a solid knowledge of agriculture and rural life, having held positions as Minister of State for Agriculture and Minister of Natural Resources.  He will bring that knowledge about the importance of agriculture to the Quebec and Canadian economy in his new position as Minister of Industry while also returning as Minister of State for Agriculture.

Mr. Clarke says that when it comes to health matters, EFC will want to address the serving size for eggs found on nutrition labels.  The nutrition label is for a one-egg serving size but Canada’s Food Guide recognizes two eggs as a serving, he says.

EFC looks forward to working with these ministers and meeting with them in the coming months.


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